The capital of the South and a sprawling global business hub, metro Atlanta runs on four overlapping area codes — one of the most complex numbering setups in the country. Whether you are verifying an unknown caller, setting up a business line in Midtown, or activating a new number in the suburbs, this guide breaks down every Atlanta area code, the mandatory 10-digit dialing rules, major ZIP codes, and the scam calls that residents should watch for.
Atlanta Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 404 / 770 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 678 / 470 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major County | Fulton & DeKalb Counties |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
404 – Atlanta’s Core Code
Area code 404 is Atlanta’s original code and the badge of the city itself, covering the urban core roughly inside and around the I-285 perimeter. A 404 number signals a true in-town Atlanta line.
770 – Atlanta Suburbs Code
Area code 770 was split from 404 in 1995 to serve the ring of suburbs surrounding the city, from Marietta and Roswell to Lawrenceville and beyond.
678 – Metro Atlanta Overlay
Area code 678 arrived in 1998 as the first overlay covering the entire metro — both the 404 core and the 770 suburbs — so a 678 number can be anywhere in the region.
470 – Newest Metro Atlanta Overlay
Area code 470 is the 2010 overlay layered over the whole metro area, adding further capacity. Like 678, it spans both the city and the suburbs.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Atlanta’s 404 core covers the city’s signature districts: the skyscrapers and sports venues of Downtown, the walkable towers and arts scene of Midtown, and the upscale shopping and nightlife of Buckhead to the north. In-town neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland pulse with the BeltLine trail and historic bungalows.
The 770, 678, and 470 codes extend across the vast suburban ring — Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, and Decatur among them — where the majority of metro Atlanta’s more than six million residents live. Because all four codes overlap the same fast-growing region, they keep the entire metro connected.
Local Dialing Rules & International Format
Metro Atlanta was one of the first U.S. regions to require 10-digit dialing, and with four overlapping codes it is mandatory — always dial the area code plus the 7-digit number. All four codes (404, 770, 678, 470) are local to one another across the metro.
To call Atlanta from outside the United States, dial your country’s exit code, then the U.S. country code +1, followed by the 10-digit number (for example, +1 404 XXX-XXXX). From inside the U.S. and Canada, simply dial 1 before the 10-digit number for long-distance calls.
Major ZIP Codes Covered
The 404 / 770 service area spans many of Atlanta’s core ZIP codes, including 30303, 30305, 30306, 30307, 30308, 30309, 30312, 30313, 30318, 30324, and 30363.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Atlanta
Atlanta residents report heavy volumes of neighbor-spoofing robocalls faking a local 404 or 770 prefix. Common scams impersonate Georgia Power (utility shutoff), the IRS, and delivery services, along with fake-toll (Peach Pass) text scams.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 404 prefix to look familiar. |
| Utility / Toll Scams | Threats to shut off power or demand toll payment via gift cards. |
| IRS / Government | Robocalls claiming legal action — agencies never call to demand instant payment. |
Red flag: Any caller who pressures you to pay immediately with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is almost certainly running a scam. Hang up and verify through an official number.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State for every code across the country.
Nearby & Related Georgia Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Atlanta, GA?
Metro Atlanta uses four area codes: 404 (city core), 770 (suburbs), and the overlays 678 and 470.
What is the difference between 404 and 770?
404 covers the city of Atlanta inside the perimeter, while 770 covers the surrounding suburbs. The 678 and 470 overlays cover both.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Atlanta?
Yes. All local calls in metro Atlanta require 10-digit dialing (area code + number).
What time zone is Atlanta in?
Atlanta observes Eastern Time (EST/EDT), the same as the rest of Georgia.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.